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>Gil, > >I have also trained in Europe (Belgium and France) and the U.S. and noticed >similar differences. In fact I was too young at 15 in the late 70's to get >certified by CMAS. I still took all the classes and dives and worked for an >instructor for two summers (carrying everyone's equipment to the beach) so >that I could get air. :-) From what I have heard the physical standards >used in Europe were similar to those at the original YMCA dive courses in >this country. You may notice what a joke the U.S. driver's test is -- and >the corresponding quality of the drivers here. Accident rates run 220-300% >higher per passenger mile driven in the U.S. (1985 figures) in comparison to >all European countries except Spain which amazes me considering the quality >of the roads, lack of urban density, and weenie speeds. Private boaters in >the U.S. are not required to pass ANYTHING which is plainly obvious by some >of the incredibly stupid actions that I see every weekend where I live. As you know > all boaters in France must pass practical and theoretical exams that correspond >to the type and size of boat. [I stop>myself from digressing further] > >I think the training differences are due more to some fundamental national >character issues. Americans greatly prize individual freedom and are highly >suspicious of regulatory interference. I must admit that I prefer the ease >with which one can persue different (non mainstream) activities and the >personal freedom to determine, to a greater extent, personal limits. These >observations tend to be invalid at the elite exploration levels of scuba >which I think involves qualified divers from many different backgrounds and >nationalities. > >My $0.02, John > >Undersea Productions, Inc. (sport diving since 1976) > Full service video production house specializing in Hi8 u/w videography. > Boca Raton, Florida, USA 800-453-2983 or undersea@ga*.ne* > >
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